Two North Wales clubs are facing relegation from the Cymru Premier after being refused licences by the FAW.

Bala Town and Flint Town United were among those denied a Tier One licence to play in the top flight of Welsh football, which will expand from 12 to 16 teams next season.

The FAW said on Wednesday evening that both clubs had failed on personnel and administration grounds - but they have six days to lodge an appeal, which will be heard by a separatel licensing body on Thursday 16th April.

A Bala Town spokesperson confirmed that the Lakesiders would appeal the decision and "will ensure that all issues are resolved prior to the Appeals Meeting".

With just one league game to go, Bala are 11th in the table and two points from safety, although an unsuccessful appeal against the decision would render their relegation battle moot before the final day of the season.

Colwyn Bay, who are currently fourth, returned to the league last season after winning the Cymru North title, but the Seagulls now face demotion for the second time in third years.

Caernarfon Town were granted a Tier One licence for the 2026-27 season, along with nine other Cymru Premier clubs and seven teams from the second tier.

The Cofis were also granted a UEFA licence, which will enable them to play in the UEFA Conference League should they qualify via the Welsh Cup final or the end-of-season play-offs.

Llandudno, who were crowned Cymru North champions on Easter Monday, are promoted to the top tier along with runners-up Airbus UK Broughton, although third-placed Holywell Town were refused on personnel and administration grounds.

The Tier 1 licensing system is a pre-requisite for playing in the Cymru Premier with clubs needing to meet stringent criteria such as finances and infrastructure. Likewise, the UEFA licence is also required for teams who want to play in European competitions, including the Champions League.

An FAW spokesperson said: "The club licensing system aims to assist the continual improvement and development of football clubs at the top level within Wales. Licensing is a transparent process that enables clubs to demonstrate to their stakeholders that they meet quality standards."

"During the 2024/25 season the FAW launched the Future Growth Fund, allocating £1.2 million into Tier 2 to ensure clubs finishing in the top three positions in the 2025/26 season had the financial support to develop their infrastructure to attain Tier 1 standards."

Next season, the Cymru Premier expands to 16 clubs along with other changes such as a move to Friday night fixtures, the introduction of a VAR Lite system and a three-way split towards the end of the season.

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FAW Tier One licencing decisions - First Instance Body
Successful applicants: Aberystwyth Town, Airbus UK Broughton, Ammanford, Barry Town United, Briton Ferry Llansawel, Caernarfon Town, Cambrian United, Cardiff Met, Connah’s Quay Nomads, Flint Town United, Haverfordwest County, Llandudno, Llanelli Town, Newtown, Penybont, The New Saints, Trefelin BGC
Refused: Bala Town, Caerau Ely, Carmarthen Town, Colwyn Bay, Holywell Town, Llantwit Major, Newport City, Penrhyncoch

Withdrawn applications: Afan Lido, Brickfield Rangers, Buckley Town, CPD Y Rhyl 1879, Denbigh Town, Gresford Athletic, Guilsfield, Pontypridd United, Ruthin Town

UEFA licencing decisions - First Instance Body
Successful applicants: Barry Town United, Briton Ferry Llansawel, Caernarfon Town, Cardiff Met, Connah’s Quay Nomads, Flint Town United, Haverfordwest County, Penybont, The New Saints
Refused: Colwyn Bay, Llanelli Town